Bulawayo Prison Inmates Charged with Sexual Assault of Fellow Prisoner
In a disturbing incident highlighting ongoing concerns about inmate safety within Zimbabwe’s correctional facilities, three prisoners from Bulawayo Prison have been charged with the sexual assault of a fellow inmate.
Accused and Charges
The accused individuals—Bhekimpilo Sinyoro (30), Thabo Ncube (24), and Arnold Chemhere (29)—appeared before Bulawayo Regional Magistrate Joseph Mabeza on Tuesday, facing charges of rape.
Incident Details
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, represented by Dominic Moyo, the assault occurred during a power outage around 9 PM on December 29, 2024. The 20-year-old victim reported that Sinyoro initially invited him to sleep closer, and upon refusal, returned with Ncube to forcibly drag him to their sleeping area. There, Chemhere allegedly covered the victim’s face with a blanket while Sinyoro, assisted by Ncube and Chemhere, forcibly removed his shorts and proceeded to sexually assault him. After the victim managed to free himself, the trio reportedly offered him rice and beans.
Background of the Accused
- Bhekimpilo Sinyoro: Recently completed a 30-day sentence for theft and was arrested on his way out of prison.
- Thabo Ncube: Has a prior conviction for malicious damage to property and is scheduled to complete his sentence on February 1, 2025.
- Arnold Chemhere: Convicted of unlawful entry in aggravating circumstances.
Legal Proceedings
The three men have been remanded in custody, with their trial set for January 25, 2025. They are represented by lawyer Takunda Chipisa.
Concerns About Inmate Safety
This incident underscores persistent issues regarding inmate safety and sexual violence within Zimbabwe’s prisons. In 2015, an inmate at Khami Maximum Prison was sentenced to an additional seven years for sexually assaulting a fellow prisoner, whom he referred to as his “wife”
Such cases highlight the urgent need for prison authorities to implement effective measures to protect vulnerable inmates and prevent sexual violence behind bars.
Call to Action
Advocacy groups continue to call for comprehensive prison reforms, including improved surveillance, better inmate segregation based on risk assessments, and enhanced support services for victims of sexual assault within the prison system.
